Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Defying the What Ifs

I worry about a lot of things. I'm getting better as I get older (another advantage to aging), but I still lay awake some nights feeling very small and inept to handle life's problems.

I worry about the big stuff, like how we'll get four kids through college and how long our vehicles will last and how we'll ever be able to retire.

But I also sweat small stuff, like what if I don't like a new furniture arrangement or what my kids will get for lunch or whether I should color my hair or not.

And then there's things I should never waste the energy on. What if I never amount to more than I am right now? What if I never make a mark on this world? What if I don't have it in me to reach my goals? What if God's plans are different than mine?

What if I become disabled? What if my husband dies suddenly? What if God calls us to move? What if our income is drastically slashed? What if someone I love is diagnosed with cancer? What if an accident claims the life of someone in my family?

I know I go to the extreme, but these things happen to people every day. Why wouldn't they happen to me? It's tough to live on planet earth. And painful. And scary. Who knows what a day will bring?

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 ESV

I cannot predict the future. I can only live for today. Yet whatever is ahead for me, God tells me I will not go through it alone. Whatever tragedy, joy or sorrow are to come, I am commanded to be courageous, to press on despite the fear inside, because I am never alone.

YOU are never alone.

Never.

So when the "what if"s wail, I pump myself up instead of drag myself down.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed.